Alerts are also in place on the River Kennet from Thatcham down to Reading including Burghfield, Colthrop, Woolhampton, Aldermaston, Theale, Calcot and Southcote and on the Lower River Loddon including Swallowfield, Arborfield, Shinfield, Barkham, Lower Earley, Sindlesham, Winnersh, Woodley, Hurst and Waltham-St-Lawrence.

Flood risk manager Dave Bedlington said: “The forecast suggests that a lot of rain could fall across the South East over the next few days, and with river and groundwater levels already high and responsive this could lead to further property flooding in the coming days.

“Environment Agency teams are working around the clock to prepare for the rainfall by operating pumping stations, issuing Flood Warnings, and checking that flood banks, walls, and barriers are working effectively.

“We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and we are urging communities to prepare in advance by signing up for free flood warnings and to take action if they receive one.